Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Tucson

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Tucson? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Cup Cafe

4.8

4.8 (2128)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Recently awarded "Top 100 Neighborhood Gems in America" by OpenTable!

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner due to limited indoor seating and high demand for patio seating.
During breakfast and lunch we do not accept reservations, *EXCEPT* on these holidays: Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The Cup Café is a downtown Tucson tradition with a reputation for delicious, inspired fare, alive with flavor. A full-service, historic modern bistro, The Cup Café appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Enjoy the variety of The Cup’s all-day menu and the fresh, delectable, and ever-changing daily features. Selections include build-your-own omelets, unique salads, great appetizers, full-course entrees, classic sandwiches, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

The Cup also proudly features homemade desserts, baked in-house, as well as a comfortable and expansive outdoor patio, full-service bar, unique signature cocktails, and intriguing wine selections.

Thank you!

Top review

sharon

Dined 2 days ago

This is a great place for a tasty meal with some unusual menu items. My husband and I have tried the Pistol Grip pasta, Old Pueblo Pesto pasta, and the Hotel Salad with flank steak. ALL ARE FANTASTIC!

Discover more

Popular dish

Fish 'N' Chips

Popular dish

Stuffed Chicken Gnocchi

The Steak Out Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (288)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Sonoita

About the restaurant

Sonoita’s longest-running restaurant and saloon serving cowboys, wine enthusiasts, locals, and out-of-towners for sixty years.
The Steak Out is a hallmark of any Southern Arizona Trip and a local gathering spot for generations of Santa Cruz County residents. Our signature mesquite-grilled steaks, burgers, barbecue ribs & chicken bring customers from near and far to our rural corner of SE Arizona. We feature a full bar, local wines, and live music in an authentic country western setting. Whether you’re looking for a special dinner for two, a spot to accommodate your large group, or just an appetizer and drink at the bar; we’ve got you covered!

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

Party of four; all had burgers and were pleased with the meal and service. Best burger I’ve had out in quite some time. Great atmosphere. Excellent Bloody Mary. Will come back again.

Discover more

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink - Downtown

4.7

4.7 (1319)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

REILLY offers modern Italian food in a casual urban setting. Our menu features smalls, salads, craft pizzas, fresh house-made pastas, desserts and craft drinks. If you are looking for outdoor dining, check out our Beer Garden and rooftop-now open! Rooftop and Beer Garden dining are open seating, order at the counter.

Top review

FrankVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The ricotta toast is still one of our very favorite dishes in Tucson! My rigatoni was equally delicious, great dinner!

Discover more

Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar – Tucson River

4.7

4.7 (799)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

When it comes to a great meal, there’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly grilled, juicy burger, and sipping on a cold, creamy milkshake between every mouthwatering bite. At Zinburger, we create the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and high quality ingredients in each of our menu items. Elevate your all-American burger experience with a Samburger and a side of truffle fries or hand-cut zucchini fries. Our vast selection of beer and wine is carefully picked to complement every delicious style of burger on our menu. Come over and treat yourself to a Zinfully indulgent experience at Zinburger.

Top review

DeborahVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great Diablo burger and really good meatballs served by a terrific waiter. Nathan or Ethan? Sorry I forgot his name. My husband complained about his milkshake being watery and the waiter and manager had it replaced with a perfect one in 3 minutes. Good food matters, but great service matters more. We will return.

Doughbird - Tucson

4.7

4.7 (439)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

Doughbird brings you a crave-worthy menu with an unexpected yet perfect duo: Pizza and Rotisserie. Yep, you heard right...Pizza and Rotisserie. A neighborhood spot where you can get spicy with eclectic combinations like our BBQ Chicken Pizza adorned with melted cheddar, jalapeño pesto and charred corn or try our juicy Red Bird Chicken with an array of comforting sides and flavorful sauces. At Doughbird, you'll discover a new irresistible favorite. So, savor a fun family dinner any night of the week, or grab a bite & sip on a cocktail at happy hour daily, any which way, you will always find your flavor.

Top review

JoeVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great time as always with great food. A side of fries though for $8.00 was a little much.

Discover more

Popular dish

Rotisserie Chicken

The Grill at Quail Creek

4.5

4.5 (79)

$30 and under

Grill

Sahuarita

About the restaurant

The Grill at Quail Creek is truly a delightful centerpiece, a gathering place where neighbors come to catch up on conversation or plan that next big adventure. With the renovation and expansion complete, it now features larger indoor & outdoor dining areas, board room with fireplace for private parties, and a U-shaped bar for enjoying happy hours with friends.

Top review

Barney

Dined 3 days ago

Always a good place to take our 91 year old cousin.

Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge at the Hacienda del Sol

4.4

4.4 (784)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Foothills

About the restaurant

Step into the open-air haven of Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge at Hacienda del Sol and enjoy the refreshing desert breeze and captivating surroundings. Delight in a feast for the senses, from al fresco dining and signature drinks to live melodies, all crafting a unique gastronomic journey in the heart of Tucson, AZ. Within our historic hotel's dining oasis, our skilled chefs infuse innovation into every dish - whether it's tapas, tacos, or any culinary masterpiece in between.

We do allow pets and we even have a pet menu!

Top review

Karen

Dined 1 day ago

We had a great experience for lunch with some long time friends. Ambiance is excellent and the scenery just stunning. Our server (Roy) was friendly and prompt. A favorite place for any meal of occasion!!

Culinary Dropout - Tucson

4.3

4.3 (2771)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

At Culinary Dropout, raise your glass to friends coming together. A place where food and music are life. Join us at happy hour for ice cold beer and our famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. At dinner, a signature cocktail and slow braised 36-hour pork ribs are a perfect pair. While you and your crew enjoy damn good food and drinks, a local band plays live for great vibes. Come hang out and stay a while.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 2 days ago

Culinary Dropout is one of our favorite Tucson restaurants and we’ve never had a bad meal. This time the service was a bit slow which wouldn’t normally be a problem but we were on a schedule. Also it was noisy mostly due to a large table of children next to us. Haha My favorites are anything with salmon; the kale butternut squash salad adding salmon and their roasted salmon with farro risotto and crispy Brussel spouts are both delicious. I also like the vegan curry with black rice.

Discover more

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

4.2

4.2 (697)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

UPDATE: HUB is currently operating out of PLAYGROUND until early fall 2024

Located on historic Congress Street in Tucson, HUB is right in the heart of all the excitement that downtown has to offer. Our dining room gives warm romantic vibes, while our patio comes to life with the greenery, and night life. With our locally sourced ingredients, we’ve created an elevated American cuisine while embracing the taste of the southwest. Make sure you leave room for our famous homemade ice cream with flavors such as Bourbon Almond Brittle and Oatmeal Cookie Dough. We’re also proud to offer our dine-in guests complimentary valet or self parking for 2 hours. This service is offered at The AC Hotel, located directly behind HUB. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Top review

Sharon

Dined 6 days ago

Casual and.elegant. Food was delicious and high quality.

Discover more

Popular dish

Shrimp & Grits

Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails

4.2

4.2 (605)

$30 and under

Southwest

Oro Valley

About the restaurant

A new dining experience at the Hilton El Conquistador. Literally translated as "Mexican Tea", Epazote is prominently used in Southwest cuisine to add spicy yet earthy flavor somewhat reminiscent of fennel. Inspired by this flavor and the traditions of the Southwest.

Enjoy Southwestern dishes featuring locally sourced specialties such as Poblano Peppers for Rellenos, Arizona raised Free-Range Chicken, selected cheeses and Arizona grown produce. Along with your meal, you will enjoy some of the most spectacular views of Pusch Ridge, on the outdoor patio.

Featuring a wide selection of tequilas, locally brewed beers and Arizona Wines. Those looking to sample a taste of the Southwest will be able to select from a bar menu of delectable options ideal for a shared dinner or snack.

Top review

Shelby

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food, fresh and flavorful! Service was outstanding!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Tucson

Explore more Diners' Choice lists